Welcome to Social Economy AZ, a new project designed to raise awareness about the concept, history and theory of the social economy in the United States, with the specific aim of promoting its identity and growth within the American Southwest.

The social economy includes organizations such as cooperatives, mutual benefit societies, associations, foundations and social enterprises which provide goods, services, and information to the public with the aim of generating both economic productivity and social solidarity.

Vanna Gonzales, Professor of Justice and Social Inquiry at Arizona State University’s School of Social Transformation talks with graduate student Carrie Bauer about the social economy.  In addition to talking about its relevance for Arizona, Dr. Gonzales introduces the key goals of SEAZ.

Key Concepts:

• Social Innovation: linking technological and organizational innovations to social initiatives, processes and products to catalyze more dynamic social systems
• Economic Justice: fostering sustainable development to promote social solidarity and a more equitable distribution of productive enterprise
• Collective Welfare: promoting social inclusion and economic wellbeing through cooperative governance practices aimed at curbing the unfettered rule of the market